Wednesday, February 19, 2014

For the past couple of weeks, our classes have been visited by familiar colors and faces for one reason: to campaign. The student council election is coming!

University and college student council candidates have been consistent and insistent in making us remember their names, faces, credentials, and colors, encouraging everyone to vote for them.

Aside from supporting your friends and earning incentives on some subjects, here are five reasons why you should vote on February 19 and 20, 2014.

1. Voting is not just a right, it is a responsibility. As students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, it is one of our responsibilities to choose reliable student leaders who are bold enough to raise our concerns, fight for our student rights, and represent the student body. Good governance starts from good decisions and responsible actions. If you are a responsible and sensible UPLB student, vote!

2. Voting proves that you were here. It is not enough that our names exist in the UPLB roster. Student identification doesn't stop in just having a student number and your face on an identification card. We are given this opportunity to choose our leaders so make sure to grab it! Do what is right, vote, and only then can you say that “(your name) was here.” If you want to rightfully exist, vote!

3. Voting lets you be in charge. Choosing the candidate that will represent your voice in the student council makes you in charge of selecting the leaders that will serve you in the university. You have the power to choose the people who will speak for you. Use this power, because you can. Vote!

4. Voting is a manifestation of pro-activity. As Iskolars para sa Bayan, we should be proactive. We should cause something to happen and not become mere observers on the sidelines. We don't want regrets. Apathy is not an option. Vote!

5. Voting opens the door for change. As UPLB students, we want the best for us and the university. We all have things that we want to change for the better. If you participate in the student council elections, you are taking part in the action for change. Take this opportunity to vote for people that will promote your desired change. Our vote is the key to collective leadership because all of us are leaders and initiators of change. Thus, your only option is to vote!

Not participating in the elections essentially takes away your right to criticize any decision made by the elected council members. If you don’t vote, others might, and you may not like the outcome.

On February 19 and 20, the precincts are open for students who want change. Bring validated UPLB ID or Form 5 and any valid ID. Make your vote count!